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Why would anyone use HD Tracks for Downloads?

I really enjoy hi-res computer audio music files I've downloaded from Liaison in Europe. These files were recorded direct to digital and I download them as 24/96 FLAC or WAV files. There is an obvious improvement in dynamics, soundstaging, noise floor and detail over CD that make it worth the small increase in $$.
My understanding is that all, or at least the vast majority, of downloads offered by HD Tracks are nothing more than existing older standard resolution analog masters transferred to PCM or DSD format digital files. Standard resolution recordings transferred to a hi-resolution format cannot produce hi-res music files. An analogy is transferring a steak served on a small plate to a larger plate; the steak will still taste the same and there is no improvement in taste. Music originally recorded on a multi-track analog reel-to-reel recorder will have limited dynamic range, a higher noise floor, a limited frequency response and less detail than the same music recorded directly to digital.

I know there currently is a lack of major artists taking advantage of hi-res, direct to digital recording of their music. Most of the truly hi-res music seems to be coming from lesser known artists. I've found that i Trax in California and the Liaison Music Shop in Europe are 2 good sources of true hi-res recordings.

So, my question is to those that have downloaded supposed hi-res music files from HDTracks: Are you disappointed by the sound quality of your purchases from HDTracks? I would think you would be, since I believe you're listening to standard resolution files that should sound no better than CDs or records you may already own of the same material.

I'm very leery of buying HDTracks downloads not only because of the above, but also because they fail to list the source of their downloads; there's no mention of whether they're simply transfers of standard resolution masters or are recorded direct to digital and actually are hi-res.

I'm interested in readers' thoughts on avoiding standard resolution files advertised as hi-res.

Thanks,
Tim
noble100
raymonda
847 posts
 
Tim,

You ran with a tough crowd back in the day.

Hifi News and Review's music section has does a frequency and spectrum graph of digital down loads, which can be useful. I don't do too many down loads, although that may change. When I do it is straight from the artist and they are true transfers.

Again, try Circus Monkey. Not only is it a good recording....although a bit overly compressed with some limiting but the music is great. It will be something you will listen to repeatedly.

Also, Jerry Garcia from the Capitol Theater in 1981. It is an 88/24 transfer of a multi-tracked live show. The only limitations are the mics that were used. You don't have to be a Dead Head to appreciate this recording or music. After listening to that, you will agree that you are glad it was transfered to hi-rez digital. Also, there is little to no limiting and most likely little compression on individual tracks during the mix. The wav looks fantastic and the way every mastered 2 track should appear.

You can get it at Jerry Garcia's web site.

I think we agree on hirez digital being very good. It's not a dog vs cat or chocolate vs vanilla thing......you can like both!
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Now that my computer audio system is up and running well, I'm on the lookout for more high quality music downloads like this but I'm finding the process difficult and frustrating."

You can always download the hi res files first using torrents. If the music turns out to be as advertised, then buy it.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,606 posts
 
The provenance is essential and not too reliable with HD Tracks. PONO seems to do a better job of it...
paul79
163 posts
 
I've had great luck with Acoustic Sounds high rez also.
talk2me's avatar
talk2me
324 posts
 
Anthony Cordesman wrote a review of the Burmester 151 Music Server, and in the article addressed the issue of "false marketing" downloads. The implementation of the recording is more important, even what mic used. Too many people are mislead that higher rez is better is the answer.
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